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Your article was excellent and the signs are encouraging. However, it might be foolish for Rouhani to meet with Rabbi Yeshayahu Pinto. He is under indictment in Israel for large scale money laundering, theft from charities and attempted bribery . He is a prominent figure with a large following, especially among wealthy personalities seeking his magical blessings. His associates in NYC have also been charged with political corruption involving illegal campaign contributions.

I would hope Rouhani has good enough judgment to steer clear of this huckster.

Thank you again for an interesting analysis grounded in real social science knowledge. You properly indicated that you were offering speculation. I reject the complaints about your speculating. That is what almost everyone spouting off about the islamic/Chechen aspect are doing. Yours was informed and honest about being speculation.

I would add on one caution about interpreting the statements of the uncle. He is embarassed and threatened by those who will use this to event to disparage Islam and Chechens. Some of his statements may be defensive rather than reflecting his full views.

I am not so sure hitting back with a shoe is such a bad idea. Calling a woman a harlot is an extreme form of aggression. If it becomes alright to do this, women with modern norms of dressing become extremely vulnerable to all sorts of violence. The insult must be fought aggressively as it occurs.

I am not sure about shoe pummeling. But it does send a message: "Don't dare think such name calling will be allowed to go unchallenged!"

The piece is weak but the article raises an important question: what will happen to the Republican party now that the tea party has acquired so much influence. The author worries about scaring away the old "moderate republicans." With Olympia Snowe's retirement that is a fait acomplit.

I am not too worried about the fate of the Republican party if Romney loses. If he wins the power of the tea party will get further institutional bolstering as they go further in altering laws and perhaps appointing another right winger to the SCOTUS.

I agree with the earlier comment; losing local contributors is irrelevant the new world of Citizens United.

Hell, by the time the tea partiers recover from their hangover their votes will be irrelevant because of further subversion of voting rights.